US-Israel-Iran conflict: US Senator Graham calls Iran's offer 'unacceptable'; Araghchi holds high-level talks with Russia; Latest updates

Iran’s Araghchi says Russia showing solidarity, welcomes support for diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was “pleased to engage with Russia at the highest level” amid regional upheaval.

He said recent events have demonstrated “the depth and strength of our strategic partnership” and that Iran is “grateful for solidarity” and welcomes Russia’s support for diplomacy.

Pleased to engage with Russia at the highest level as the region is in major flux.

Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership. As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia's support for diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/I1VyDSfxET
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 28, 2026

Iran’s Baqaei calls US blockade ‘legalization of piracy,’ demands Washington be held accountable

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the US naval blockade “the outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas,” saying “welcome to the return of the pirates – only now, they operate with government-issued warrants, sail under official flags, and call their plunder ‘law enforcement.’”

He said the United States “must be held fully accountable for this brazenly lawless behavior, which strikes at the heart of international law and international free trade.”

This is the outright legalization of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas.
Welcome to the return of the pirates — only now, they operate with government-issued warrants, sail under official flags, and call their plunder “law enforcement.”
The United States must be held fully… pic.twitter.com/5xACMKs45M
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 27, 2026

Graham says reported Iranian offer to end war without addressing nuclear issue is ‘unacceptable’

Senator Lindsey Graham said he is confident that Iran’s reported proposal to end the conflict by lifting the blockade and opening the Strait of Hormuz while deferring the nuclear issue would be “unacceptable” to President Trump.

He said the offer “tells you all you need to know about the true state of play regarding negotiations” and that it ignores Trump’s positions on Iran’s nuclear program and state sponsorship of terrorism.

Graham said if the offer is accurate, “Iran is playing games,” and urged Trump to “stick to your guns for the good of the nation and the world.”

I don’t know how accurate the reporting is regarding Iran’s supposed new offer to end the war by lifting the blockade, opening the strait and dealing with the other issues later. But all I can say is I understand why Iran would make that offer.

I am confident not only would that…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 27, 2026

Abu Dhabi holds daily sunset ceremony at Wahat Al Karama to honour UAE’s fallen heroes

The Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Office is holding a daily Salute the Flag ceremony at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi, with the Guard of Honour performing a formal tribute at the Memorial and Pavilion of Honour before sunset.

The ceremony, open to the public free of charge, pays tribute to the nation’s martyrs and offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the values of service, sacrifice, and unity at one of the UAE’s most significant national landmarks.

The Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Office organises a daily Salute the Flag ceremony at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi, as a tribute to the nation’s martyrs and a reflection of loyalty and appreciation. Taking place before sunset, the ceremony is open to the public free of charge. pic.twitter.com/GSmruXP2To
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 28, 2026

Rubio says US blockade targets only Iranian shipping, not global commerce

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US blockade “is not a blockade against shipping, it’s a blockade against Iranian shipping,” arguing that Iran “cannot be the sole beneficiaries of an illegal, unlawful, and unjustified system of tolling and control in the straits.”

.@SecRubio: “The blockade is not a blockade against shipping, it’s a blockade against Iranian shipping—because they cannot be the sole beneficiaries of an illegal, unlawful, and unjustified system of tolling and control in the straits.” pic.twitter.com/4BOnodBKlC
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 27, 2026